Principal Open-Pit Mining Design Engineer | Hybrid Role

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Retirement fund contribution

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead open-pit design across multiple projects. You’ll drive pit planning, slope analyses, and scheduling using Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires 12+ years in open-pit mining, a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering (Master’s preferred), and a professional registration or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering
• 12+ years of progressive experience in open-pit mining and design
• Proven expertise with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac
• Registered professional engineer (e.g., Pr Eng) or eligible

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of open-pit mine plans, including pit shells, ramps, benches, and haul roads.
• Conduct detailed mineability studies, pit slope analysis, and geotechnical assessments.
• Develop short-term and long-term mine production schedules, optimising resource utilisation and minimising costs.
• Utilise advanced mine planning software for modelling and optimisation.
• Collaborate with geological, geotechnical, and environmental teams to integrate data into designs.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and the technical team.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies for open-pit mining operations.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for stakeholders.
• Participate in mine reviews, audits, and feasibility studies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Geomechanics

Open-pit design

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead open-pit design across multiple projects. You’ll drive pit planning, slope analyses, and scheduling using Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires 12+ years in open-pit mining, a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering (Master’s preferred), and a professional registration or eligibility.